Gymnastic apparatus

ABSTRACT

A gymnastic apparatus which comprises a car guided on upwardly bowed rails through a center position, defined by the rail structure and movable in both directions from the rail center position by the tension of springs acting on it. Connecting means for oar handle levers are provided, the levers protruding in a direction transverse to the path defined by the rails, and which are associated with the rail structure at its center.

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,912,264 Busse et al. Oct. 14, 1975 [54] GYMNASTIC APPARATUS 3,473,843 10 1969 Hart 272 72 3,511,499 5/1970 Schawalder.... 272/57 B [75] Invenmrs: Fmz Hlden; flanswaltel' 3,524,641 8/1970 Ossenkop 272/57 13 Busch; Gunter Dungs, both Of 3,528,653 9/1970 Stuckenschneider 272/72 Solingen, all of Germany 7 A B h k sch ft FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 3] 3: "engese a 1,083,705 1967 United Kingdom 272 72 0 mgen ermany 657,806 11/1963 Italy 272 72 22 Filed: Apr. 25, 1973 Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham 21 A 1. N 354431 1 pp 0 Assistant Examiner,loseph R. Taylor Attorney, Agent, or FirmErnest G. Montague; Karl [30] Foreign Application Priority Data F. Ross; Herbert Dubno Apr. 26, 1972 Germany 2220436 Apr. 12, 1973 Germany 2318374 7 ABSTRACT Apr. 12, 1973 Germany... 2318455 I Apr. 12, 1973 Germany 2318456 A gymnastlc apparatus wh'ch a Car gulded on upwardly bowed rails through a center position, de- 52 US. Cl. 272/72; 272/57 B fined by the rail Structure and movable in both direc- 51 lm. c1. A63B 09/06 ions from the rail center Position by the tension of [58] Field of Search 272/57 B, 72 Springs acting Connecting means for Oar handle levers are provided, the levers protruding in a direc- [56] References Cited tion transverse to the path defined by the rails, and

UNITED STATES PATENTS which are associated with the rail structure at its center. 1,982,843 12/1934 Traver 272/72 3,315,959 4/1967 Carnielli 272/72 11 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures 5 III US. Patent Oct.14,1975 Sheet10f13 3,912,264

US. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 2 of 13 3,912,264

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GYMNASTIC APPARATUS The present invention relates to a gymnastic apparatus having a car which is guided on rails and which is movable to opposite sides from a central rail position under the tension of springs which act on it.

Such apparatus, in which outside drive is dispensed with, can used for general physical training also for the simulating certain common movements in skiing.

The object of the present invention is to provide a strong gymnastic apparatus of this kind which is simple to manufacture and favorable for use in such manner that training can be given in customary movements of other sports besides those previously mentioned.

This object is obtained in accordance with the present invention in the manner that connecting means for oar like levers are associated with the rail structure in its central section, the levers protruding transversely to the rails.

In this connection it is advantageous for the connecting means to be formed in accordance with the invention by a shoe which is in form-fitting engagement with the center cross tie of the rail structure and which has laterally upwardly and outwardly extending sockets for the insertion of the oar handle levers.

According to a feature of the invention the oarhandle levers at the end of their projecting plug-in arm have brake joints as intermediate pieces for transition to the handle arms, which brake joints can be adjustable.

The brake joints can be capable of tilting in transverse direction for the removal of the plug-in arms.

According to another feature of the invention a detent mechanism, and preferably a ratchet blocking mechanism, is associated with the brake joints.

Furthermore the sockets of the shoe should not extend beyond the carriage plate.

Also in accordance with the invention the shoe can have a base plate in which the feet of the central cross tie of the rail structure stand.

An advantageous embodiment comprises a transversely extending foot support which is preferably displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the rail structure.

In this connection it is advantageous in accordance with the invention for the foot support to be capable of being attached to the rail structure.

Furthermore, a seat cushion can be placed on the carriage and can have a supporting bead on at least one transverse edge and can be held in nondisplaceable position by form-fitting engagement. 1

The gymnastic apparatus of the invention is suitable as previously for general physical training, while retaining the possibility of simulated dry-run ski training, and is also suitable for training for rowing. For this purpose a pair of oar-handle levers are associated with the rail structure in its central section by the insertion of pin type connecting means which can be removed again at any time without the use of tools. These oar-handle levers protrude in the transverse direction. The connecting means is a shoe. The latter is merely placed on the central cross tie of the rail structure. It has been found that the central cross tie of the rail structure. It has been found that the corresponding form-fititing engagement is entirely sufficient, particularly as the shoe has a base plate on which not only the weight of the rail structure but also the weight of the person performing the training rests. In this way a satisfactory fixing in position of the shoe which holds the oar handle levers is obtained. The handle levers themselves are also adapted to be connected by a detachable pin connection to the shoe. Accordingly such an accessory can be collapsed to save space and easily stowed between the rails of the rail structure. The handle arms which connect as an intermediate piece with the oar handle levers via brake joint can also be bent away at an angle when not used. The brake joints which are adjustable in order to change the frictional resistance can at the same time be used to secure this collapsed position by simply increasing the braking pressure. The structural measure of arranging the brake joints so that they can tilt in the direction transverse to the protrusion of the socket arm serves to assure exercise which is as close as possible to actual conditions. The idle path of nonresistant stroke in the one direction of movement which is also necessary in this sense can be obtained by the pawl or ratchet gear. As the rowboat seat there is used the carriage which ski training is used in as the binding. A seat cushion can be associated with said carriage as described. In order to fix the seat cushion in position, one of the transverse edges of the carriage which has a rim. The corresponding transverse edge serves either for the direct resting of a supporting bead of this cushion or it has a groove which is transverse to the direction of travel and into which a transverse edge of the car enters in form-fitting fashion. A foot support can also be associated in very simple manner with the rail structure. This foot support can have toothed slats which, in combination with means on the rail structure side, permit stepwise displacement of the foot-support location point.

If the removal of a shoe is to be dispensed with in a gymnastic apparatus of this type, it is advantageous in accordance with the invention for the connecting means to be formed of sockets which are seated on obliquely inwardly descending arms of the central feet or cross tie of the rail structure.

One embodiment has the sockets located on the bottom of the arms which consist of flat metal strips.

A feature of the invention is that the arms are bent in S-shape and the sockets fill in form-fitting manner the lower open S-angle.

Furthermore, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the 2 feet consist of a strap bent out of a single piece, the central apex section of which is equipped with a foot plate.

It is advantageous in accordance with the invention for the foot plate to sit on the bottom surface via a central, bent section which extends between the points of attachment of the foot arms.

The connecting means for the oar-handle levers are arranged on the gymnastic apparatus itself, so that adapting the apparatus for the purpose of rowing is limited merely to plugging in the oar-handle levers. The provision of the sockets on the obliquely inward descending arms of the feet of the rail structure fixes in advantageous and mutually stabilizing manner the angle of insertion of the oar handle levers which accordingly are held in the position of use most favorable for actuation. The sockets lie extensively in a region which is covered by the rail structure, so that there is no danger of injury from protruding parts in the different exercises, regardless of the nature thereof. It is therefore advantageous that when the gymnastic apparatus is not in use, i.e. when it is being stored, there is merely required an area for the storing thereof which corresponds substantially to the bottom contour of the rail structure itself. The fastening of the sockets to the obliquely inward descending arms can be effected by welding, threading, hooking, bonding or the like. The sockets also have a favorable effect on the stability under load of the arms in the manner that they also sup port the S-bent arm parts with respect to each other, i.e. stiffen them, thus obtaining the advantage that only a slight thickness of material is necessary for the arms which consist of flat material. For the stability of the apparatus it is desirable that the horizontal section of the flat metal strip forming the obliquely descending arms distributes the downward acting compressive forces uniformly over the 2 feet of the rail structure. Furthermore, the compressive forces are taken up very favorably in the central region of the strap forming the feet. The strap in this embodiment is provided with a support in the region on which the greatest compressive forces act, this support preventing a bending of the strap even under extreme load. The space between the horizontal section of the obliquely descending arms and the central vertex section of the strap forming the feet can be utilized in favorable manner for the fastening of an additional spring on the frame.

The foot support may be located at any selected place of said rail structure, and can assume an oblique position which is favorable for the supporting of the feet; the foot support can be associated with the rails in a canted force fit.

In this connection it is favorable if, in accordance with the invention, the foot supports have an opening extending from their side edge and the inside dimension of which is greater than the height of the rail profile.

One advantageous structural shape is obtained in accordance with the invention by a recess extending from the lower edge of the foot support.

Furthermore, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that at least one of the cross ties connecting the rails be provided with a series of holes for the hooking therein of chest pulls.

One advantageous feature of the invention consists in the fact that the rails are roughened on their bottom.

It is furthermore proposed in accordance with the invention that the foot-support plate be provided near its bottom edge with holes for the insertion in of chest pulls.

Finally, another feature resides in providing the footsupport plate having foot-insertion loops.

If the structure is used as a rowing-training apparatus there is great advantage in an individually adjustable foot-support position. The foot support provided for this purpose can be quickly fastened to the gymnastic apparatus and can be adjusted infinitely variably on the rails. Special fastening means such as toggles, detents, etc., are unnecessary. Rather the foot support is held on the rails in a canted force fit. For this purpose the support has an opening extending from each of its side edges. The inside dimension of the openings is greater than the height of the rail profile. The size of this inside dimension accordingly also determines the angle of inclination of the foot support which is provided at its lower edge with a tunnel-shaped recess for the free passage thus avoiding wear of the springs which hold the carriage in the rail central position. By roughening the bottom of the rails, a slip-free retention of the foot support can be obtained without the application of any substantial pressure forces for the effecting of the canting clamped fit. If such a foot-support plate is provided in the vicinity of its lower edge with holes for the attaching of chest pulls, even the pulling force is advantageously utilized to hold the foot support fast. The foot support can in practice be shifted further outwards from the seat of the carriage. If the foot-support plate is also provided with foot insertion loops, a displacement from the car side of the point ofsupport can even easily be brought about from the seat. In the extreme case, the chest pulls can be hooked, with a gaining of space, in the rows of holes of the cross ties connecting the rails.

in order to indicate to the user the force applied, it is proposed to associate a temperature-indicating instrument with the brake means.

Advantageously a graduated ring of the temperatureindicating instrument is adjustable relative to the pointer.

Another advantageous feature of the invention of the invention is established by a counter which is associated with the swing lever and which has a counting step which acts in the end position of swing of the lever.

in this connection it has been found to be desirable in accordance with the invention for the temperatureindicating instrument to be seated on a covering cap of the brake device which shifts with the swing lever.

The temperature instrument is seated on a supporting bracket which extends from the fixed brake disk and the brake disk which moves with the swing arm is formed as a covering cap for the fixed brake disk and is seated on a driving bushing which can be connected with a hub of the swing lever by a coil spring which forms the one-way lock in such a manner that the coil spring fastened on the hub side is tensioned with radial constriction upon actuation of the lever in a direction towards the circumferential surface of hub and drive bushing.

The force applied can thus be read off precisely. The measurement which can be effected with high precision has the advantage that the user can so program his expenditure of energy in advance that at each exercise period the same amount of force is applied or, at the discretion of the user, it can be increased or reduced in precisely predetermined increments. Such an indicating instrument is of particular assistance in initial exercises with the gymnastic apparatus in establishing a health-promoting level of energy consumption and accordingly protects the user against overstraining. The temperature-indicating instrument can be set to a reference value of zero at any room temperature. Thus it is not necessary that the room temperature must be subtracted from the reading indicated in order to obtain the true value of the force expended. An even more accurate picture of the force is provided by the fact that the individual oar movements are also counted. In this connection a predetermined goal of expenditure of force can be favorably determined on basis of the individual oar movements required. The temperature indicating instrument is advantageously so arranged that the force applied can be read off even during the exercise, for which purpose the indicating instrument is fastened in such a manner that after the force-expending movement of the oar towards the body, the indicating instrument lies within the field of view of the user. The indicating instrument can also be located on a fixed portion of the structure so that it is always in the field of view of the user. The cover cap for the fixed brake disk can turn by 360 without bringing the indicating instrument into a position unfavorable for viewing. Another advantage is that the cover cap can be in direct engagement with the driver sleeve so that the coil spring transmits the rotation of the hub seated on the swing lever to the cover cap, and the latter by rubbing on the fixed brake disk produces the thermal energy for the measurement reading of the indicating instrument. The driving of the cover cap is effected by the force-locked action of the coil spring in a quiet manner so that in one direction of movement the entrainment of the cover cap and in the other direction of movement a free backward swinging is possible even without the use of a ratchet and paw] means.

The subject matter of the invention will be explained in further detail below with reference to to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the gymnastic apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment, shown with its basic equipment, in which it can be used for general health training and for dry-run ski training,

FIG. 2 is a top view of the gymastic apparatus,

FIG. 3 is a section along the line IIIIII of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a top view, corresponding to FIG. 2, of the gymnastic apparatus with additional accessories for simulated rowing,

FIG. 5 is a cross section through the rail-guided carriage with associated seat cushion,

FIG. 6 is a partial diagram of the rail structure with associated foot support,

FIG. 7 is a cross section along the line VII-VII of FIG. 4,

FIG. 8 is a front view of the shoe-like plug-in connecting means,

FIG. 9 is a top view thereof,

FIG. 10 is a side view of said plug-in connecting means,

FIG. 11 shows the brake joint by itself,

FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is a cross section along the line XIII-XII of FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 is a variant of the brake joint,

FIG. 15 is a side view of the gymnastic apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment,

FIG. 16 is a top view of FIG. 15 with oar handle levers inserted,

FIG. 17 is a cross section along the line XVIIXVII of FIG. 15,

FIG. 18 is a side view of the gymnastic apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment,

FIG. 19 is a top view of this gymnastic apparatus with accessories for the simulated training of rowing movements and to explain the foot support which is detachably associated with the apparatus,

FIG. 20 shows a portion of the apparatus on a larger scale,

FIG. 21 is a section along the line XXI-XXI of FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is a top view of a modified embodiment of a brake joint showing the force indicating means,

FIG. 23 is a section along the line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22, and

FIG. 14 is a corresponding longitudinal section showing another variant.

The gymnastic apparatus has parallel extending cantilevered guide rails l, and 2 having a bridge-like (upwardly bowed) longitudinal curvature. The rails are connected with each other via uniformly spaced distance pieces 3 and transverse cross ties 4 and 5 located at the ends.

A car 6 travels on the rails l, 2. The base plate 7 thereof is covered by a cross-ribbed rubber mat 8 which is also laid over the upward directed transverse edges 9. In order to hold this mat 8 in such a manner that it will not slip, integrally formed anchorings 10 lying on the base plate side protrude outwards and hook into corresponding holes 11 (see FIG. 5).

The longitudinal edges of the base plate 7 are bent at the bottom to form bearing lugs 12. The latter bear guide rollers 13. A total of four guide rollers 13 are provided. They are provided with flanges 14 resting against the wide surfaces 1, 2' of the rails in order to guide the car 6. The car is under the tension of springs 15 and 16 which act on it.

The spring 15 is anchored to the end cross tie 4 of the apparatus, while the spring 16 is attached to the opposite cross tie 5. The anchoring is in each case established by clamps 17 which are fastened to the cross ties 4, 5 with the formation of a passage opening corresponding to about twice the cross section of the springs. The free end of the spring is turned over. The eye-like section extending on the outside of the clamp 17 bears a filler piece 18 which prevents the pulling through and thus the loosening of the springs 15 and 16 respectively.

The attachment to the car is also effected by a clamp which leaves free a larger passage space 20 with due consideration of the multi-layer nature of the spring which is developed, for instance, in the form of an elastic band. The clamp 19 serves at the same time to hold fast an additional spring 21 which at one end is also anchored, again with the use of a clamp 22, to the middle section, raised high in the form of a bridge, of a center cross tie 23 which supports the rails l, 2 of the rail structure S. This center cross tie 23 is developed in U- shape. The free ends of its arms act on the bottom of the rails 1, 2. The arms of the U-shaped strap converge in the direction towards the bottom so that all protrusion on the outside of the rails is avoided.

The springs 15, 16 hold the car in the middle position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The training apparatus the basic design of which has been shown in the preceding paragraph can be used in this form for general training exercises, and in addition also for simulating specific customary movements in skiing.

With the addition of the accessories shown in FIGS. 4 to 13 this training apparatus can be used for an additional special type of sport, namely rowing.

The corresponding accessories are the shoe-like plug-in connecting means shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the ore handle levers shown in FIG. 4, as well as a seat cushion, shown in cross section in FIG. 5, and finally a foot support in accordance with FIG. 6.

The shoe-shaped plug-in connecting means Sch has the base plate 24. Sockets 25 of cross section extend approximately from its central section. They assume an obliquely upward directed course. Within the region of the narrow edge 26 of the base plate these sockets 5 are again bent, namely in a slightly forward pointing direction. Approximately in the region of this bend 27 there commences a belt section 28 extending from the central section of the base plate 24 and bent off from the narrow edge 26 but in the direction of the sockets 25, this section 28 being connected with the socket, for instance by welding. Its angular arm extending parallel to the socket forms with the socket sections there an insertion shaft 29 for the center cross tie 23 of the apparatus. The U arms 23, after the plug connection has been effected, rest against the angle arms extending parallel to the narrow edge of the base plate 24.

The width of the center cross tie is adapted in dimensions to the insertion shaft 29 so that a secure plug-in connection is obtained.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, the feet 30 of the center cross tie 23 are seated on the base plate 24.

The ends of the sockets terminate approximately at the height of the rails so that the base plate 7 of the car 6 does not protrude.

Oar handle levers 31 detachably associated with the sockets 25 pass, via brake joints 32, into the handle arms 33. The limitation for distance of insertion of the oar handle levers which are adapted in cross section and thus secured against rotation is established by the zone of bend 27.

The joints 32 which make possible the required bending movement between oar handle lever 31 and the handle arms 33 are also tiltable in direction transverse to the protrusion of the handle arms, as corresponds to what is actually the case in the movement of oars. This tiltability is obtained by a cross pin 34 which passes through the transverse bore 36 formed by a bushing in the oar handle lever 31 and is connected with the bearing lug 37 of a carrying plate 38 which has a tilt stop in the form of a bolt 39 which passes through the U-shaped space of this bearing plate.

The bearing plate is the support for the brake-joint pivot pin 40 on which the fixed brake jaws 42 and 43, which are provided with the brake liners 41, are placed the upper (42) of said brake jaws developing a rim 43' which faces towards the bottom side and in cooperation with the brake jaws 42 and 43 forms a housing receiving a toothed disk 45. The toothed disk is held between liners 41 The disk 45 of the brake joint 32, which disk is toothed on its edge, cooperates with a pawl 46 which engages into the tooth spaces 47, this taking place as a result of actuation of the handle arm in the direction indicated by the arrow x. The flattened and possibly solidly developed ends 33' on the brake joint side of the handle arms 33 which are otherwise made with the use ofa tube profile are supported for swinging around the pin 48 which passes through a fork piece 49 extending from the pivot pin 40. A second pin 50 also passing through the fork space forming the pawl housing forms the limiting stop for the handle arm end 33'. This pin 50 lies at such a distance from the stop-side end which corresponds to the depth of the tooth spacing so that the lifting of the pawl 46 out of the toothed disk 45 is made possible. With the lifting out of the pawl, the free passage necessary for the simulating of actual conditions is established.

In order to change the braking force, the brake jaws 42 and 43 can be pressed more or less firmly against each other by means of the adjusting handle 51. The adjusting wheel 51 is continued by a threaded bolt 52 which cooperates with the internal thread 54 of the brake pivot pin 40 with the interposition of an elastic pack of disks 53. The brake jaw 43 on the bottom side rests on a shoulder 55 of the pin 40, while the adjusting handle or the interposed pack of disks 53 acts against the narrow edge 56 of the collar 56 formed on the upper brake jaw 42.

In order to prevent relative movement of the two brake jaws, a protrusion 57 formed on the bottom-side brake jaw 43 enters into a recess 58 of accurate contour in the edge 42 of the upper brake jaw 42.

The variant shown in FIG. 14, instead of the detent mechanism 46 connected rigidly with the handle arm 33 in FIG. 12, has a locking tooth 59 arranged movably on the pin 48 which is spring-loaded in the direction towards tooth engagement, and therefore of ratchetlike nature. The development of the locking teeth is effected in corresponding manner. The spring acting on the pawl 43 is designated 60. The screw 50 which otherwise forms a stop serves here to fasten the handle arm 33 to the fork piece 49.

The free ends of the handle arms are provided with handles 62 having annular ribs in order to improve the grip.

A transversely extending foot support 63 which is displaceable in longitudinal direction of the rail structure can be associated with the latter. The foot support rests on the rail travel surface and consists of a piece of pipe. The open ends thereof are provided with caps 64. The latter consist of elastic material. Parallel-extending racks 65 extend from the foot support which is formed from a length of pipe. The downward facing tooth spaces 66 can optionally be connected with spacer members 3 which extend from rail to rail and are of corresponding diameter so that a stepwise adjustment of the foot support is provided. The racks 65 extend on the inner sides 1' and 2' of the rails 1 and 2.

In order to assure a comfortable seat, a seat cushion 65 consisting, for instance, of upholstered foam is associated with the car. The upward extended rear supporting bead 67' of the cushion comes against the transverse edge 9 present there and is furthermore fixed also by the other transverse edge 9 in order to obtain nondisplaceable association with the car, the said transverse edge 9 entering into a transverse groove 68 on the bottom of the cushion 67.

The required nonslipping of the rail structure S is established by rubber caps 69 or the like placed over the free rail ends.

The connecting means can also be developed in the form of a screw connection.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the same basic construction is retained, for which reason the reference numbers have been transferred accordingly insofar as they are necessary for an understanding.

In contradistinction to the embodiment of the gymnastic apparatus described above, the connecting means for the oar handle levers are now associated directly with the apparatus. The pertinent construction is as follows: in the central plane of the guide rails 1, 2 there extend from said rails downward obliquely descending arms 70', 70" of a central cross tie 70.

The arms 70', 70" are obtained by bending sections of a continuous flat metal strip into the shape of an S. The horizontal connecting section 70" of the arms 70, 70" is secured by screws 72 to the central vertex section 73 of a multiply bent strap 73 the horizontal bottom sections 73" of which form feet 74, 75.

The central section of the vertex section 73 forms a U-shaped foot plate 77 bent off at an angle on the bottom side and the downward bent section 77' of which rests on the bottom 76. Between the foot plate 77 and the horizontal section 70" of the central cross tie 70 there is secured the one end of an additional spring 21, the other end of which spring 21 is held by the clamp 19 which also Secures the springs 15, 16.

Sockets 78, 78' are seated on the bottom of the obliquely inward descending arms 70, 70". These sockets extend on the bottom side up into the lower open S angle W and fill the latter. The zone there is thus stabilized. The free end of these sockets 78, 78 terminates with the outside of the rails 1, 2. The sockets are made of oval pipe. The flat sides rest over a large area against the bottom side of the arms 70', 70". They are fixed by spot-welding in the manner which can be noted from FIG. 17.

When the gymnastic apparatus is used as rowing apparatus, the oar handle levers 31 which also have an oval cross section at least on the insertion side are inserted in the sockets 78, 78'.

In order to make possible from the standpoint of support a favorable adaptation to the size of the user, a transversely extending, plate-like foot support 100 which is infinitely adjustable in longitudinal direction is associated with the rail structure in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 to 21. This foot support 100 is held on the rails 1, 2 by a canted clamping fit. As path of displacement there is available practically the entire free rail length on both sides of one or the other distance member 3.

The foot support is transversely ribbed for a more dependable supporting of the foot of the user. This transverse ribbing can be effected directly on the body of the plate or can be effected subsequently by the application of a correspondingly ribbed rubber mat.

The plate edges 100 of the foot support 100 are each provided with a niche-like opening 101. These openings lie at the same height. Their inside dimension M is greater than the height H of the profile of the rail so that the foot support 100 is at the angle alpha obliquely to the arch of the rail. Under extreme oblique position, the foot support can even be moved to directly in front of the cross ties 4, 5. Upon the supporting of the feet, the force P acting on the head-heavy section of the foot support 100 which extends from the rails causes the application of the diagonally opposite edges K1 and K2 of the openings. Only by eliminating the force P can the foot support 100 be displaced again. The base 102 of the opening 101 is so dimensioned that a lateral swinging of the foot support between the rails l, 2 is possible without prevention so that the foot support 100 can be removed at any time free of hooking from the rail structure.

From the lower edge 100", a recess 104 extends for the unimpeded passage of the spring 15. On both sides of this recess, the foot support 100 is provided with holes 105 for the hooking of chest pulls 106, said holes being arranged in the vicinity of the lower edge 100". The load which thus acts in the same direction also favors a canted clamping seat of the foot support 100.

Corresponding holes 107 or rows of holes are also provided on the cross ties 4 and 5 connecting the rails 1 and 2. As can be noted from FIG. 20, these cross ties are of angular cross section and connected, for instance, by welding with the rails l, 2.

The bottom of the rails 1, 2 is roughened. The roughening is designated by R. Such a roughening also favors the slip-proof attachment of the foot support. Since such a roughening is provided on the bottom, there is also no impairment of the smooth running surface, for instance in the form of the formation of a large amount of noise.

On one of the side edges of the foot support 100 could be provided a rotary spring 109 (compare the point-dotted lines in FIGS. 20 and 21) which spring 109 supports itself with one arm 11D or a bow on the guide rail 1 and/or 2, preferably from below and secures in this manner the foot support 100 also in case of nonuse safely in its clamping position. The other arm 111 is secured on the foot supportside edge 100. For this purpose the arm end is angularly bent on the end side and inserted into a bore of the foot support. The turning section of the rotary spring 109 is in an end edge recess and is retained by a screw or a driven-in nail 112.

If, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, foot insert loops 108 are provided on the bottom surfaces of the foot support 100, the point of support can be shifted by the user angling his legs and therefore even when he has already assumed his seat.

The indication of the effort expanded with such a gymnastic apparatus is developed as follows: in the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 22 and 23, each brake joint 32 has a head or pressure plate lying above a brake disk 21. From the brake disk 121 there extends an upward protruding bearing pin 122 which passes through an opening 120' in the head plate 120 and extends above same to such an extent that the overlying section 122' of the bearing pin 122 has a sufficient guide length. This section 122' is provided with a fine thread.

The section 122 bears a corresponding adjusting handle 51 having an internal thread. By means of this handle, the distance between the head plate 120 and the brake disk 121 can be displaced. Between the head plate 120 and the brake disk 121 there is interposed an annular brake liner 123 on which there rests a rotatable disk 124 arranged concentrically on the bearing pin 122 and which, its edge being raised, is developed as a toothed rim.

The pin 122 supports the end section 125 of the handle arms 33 which is swingable on it. The end 125 is freely movable between ball bearings 126, 127 independently of the clamping force of the brake joints 32, a cover cap 128 covering the disk 121 being arranged between the ball bearing 126 and the handle arm 33.

Upon the pulling of the adjusting handle 51, the tensioning force which occurs is transmitted via the head plate 120, the handle arm end 125, the ball bearings 126, 127 to the disk 124. The pressing pressure of the disk 124 against the brake liner 123 increases accordingly upon the pulling of the adjusting handle 51 and decreases upon the release of the adjusting handle.

The handle arm 33 is provided in the region of the edge of the cover cap 128 with a bolt 129 which passes through the cover cap and bears a pawl 130 on its lower section 129'. The detent 130' of the pawl 130 is in engagement with the face toothing of the gear rim of the disk 124. Upon the swinging of the handle arms 33 in the direction indicated by the arrow x, therefore, both the cover cap 128 and the disk 124 are also rotated.

Uon the swinging of the handle arms 33 in opposite direction, the pawl 130 comes out of the gear rim and is swung back with the handle arm 33, the cover cap 128 also being swung back, but the disk 124 remaining stationary.

Upon this rotation, frictional forces occur between the disk 124 and the brake liner 123 so that the heat produced can be noted by a temperature indicating instrument 131 which is seated on the cover cap 128. By change in position of the scale pointer, which, for instance, is seated on a bimetallic coil, the increase in heat or effort can be read off from a graduated ring 133.

The graduated ring is arranged for rotation on the temperature indicating apparatus 131.

The number of the individual rowing movements is furthermore counted by a step-by-step counter 134 which is located in the vicinity of the bolt 129 on the handle arm 33. The step-by-step counting mechanism 134 is provided for this purpose with a stepping finger 134 which lies in the region of swing of the handle arm 33 over a step counting stop 135 which protrudes from the brake disk 121 which is fixed for rotation and extends to above the region of the cover cap 128. The step counting stop 135 is adjustable on the circumference of the brake disk 121. On the bottom of the brake disk 121 there is provided a supporting plate 136 which has laterally bent, downward extending bearing lugs 136'. Between the bearing lugs 136, the end 137 of the oar handle lever 31 is passed through by a transverse bolt 138, the ends of the transverse bolt 138 being arranged for rotation in the bearing lugs 136. The handle arms 33 in this way are swingable not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction, as corresponds to actual rowing movement.

In the variants shown in FIG. 24 there is also provided a brake disk 140 from which there extends a bearing pin 141 which is fixed in position and which is provided in the region of its end 141' with a fine thread. An adjusting handle 142 is screwed onto this thread. The adjusting handle strikes against a ball bearing 143 which strikes the end section 144 of the handle arm 33 which is placed over the bearing pin 141. The end section 144 has a profile of a flattened double pipe. The brake disk 140 bears a brake jaw 145 which rests against a cover cap 146. The cover cap 146 is rigidly connected with a driving sleeve 147 which on the top has a fitting hole 147' into which a ball bearing 143 is inserted. The head surface 148 of the ball bearing 143' extends slightly beyond the upper section of the driving sleeve 147 and bears a hub 149 which is rigidly connected with the end section 144 of the handle arm 33. The handle arm 33 is thus freely swingable by the ar rangement between the ball bearings 143, 143' independently of the tensioning force. The hub 149 of the handle arm 33 and the driver sleeve 147 have the same diameter and are surrounded by a coil spring 151 which in uninstalled condition has a smaller inside diameter than the outer diameter of the driver sleeve 147 or the hub 149, so that the coil spring 151 under tension surrounds the outer surfaces of the driver sleeve 147 and the hub 149. The upper end 152 of the coil spring 151 is bent off in upward direction and engages into a recess 152' of the handle arm 33; the other end of the spring 151 on the other hand remains in unfettered position.

Upon the swinging of the handle arm 33 in the direc- 147 by radial constriction, the cover cap 146 being turned and accordingly frictional heat being produced by the rubbing on the brake liner 145, this heat being transmitted to a temperature indicating instrument 153. The temperature indicating instrument 153 is fastened fixed in position on the stationary brake disk by means of a supporting bracket 153'. Upon the swinging of the handle arms 33 opposite the direction indicated by the arrow, the surrounding turns of the coil spring 151 are widened so that the handle arm 33 is freely swingable in this direction (idling). The intensity of the friction occurring between cover cap 146 and brake liner can be varied by tightening or loosening the adjusting handle 142 in the manner that by tightening the set screw 142, the brake disk 140 and thus the brake liner 145 is clamped more strongly against the cover cap 146. The directional lock 154 formed by the coil spring 151 is surrounded by a sleevelike covering 155.

On the bottom of the bottom plate 140 there is provided in this case also a supporting plate 136 which has bearing lugs 136 bent off in vertical direction. The brake joint is pivoted swingably by means of a transverse bolt 156 in vertical direction on the end section of the oarhandle lever 31.

We claim:

1. A gymnastic apparatus comprising:

an elongated rail structure including:

a pair of upwardly bowed spaced apart rails,

a carriage shiftable on said rails along a path from a center position to opposite sides thereof,

a traverse connected to said rails and lying below said path, and

spring means for biasing said carriage toward said center upon displacement to opposite sides thereof;

a pair of opposing transverse arms projecting inclinedly upwardly and outwardly from said structure at said center thereof and clearing said rails;

mounting means at said traverse and removably receiving each of said arms and securing same against movement relative to said structure;

a respective oar-handle lever articulated at the free end of each of said transverse arms for swinging movement about a respective pivot axis in a rowing motion, said carriage being shiftable on said rails to opposite sides of said pivot axes;

a respective brake at each of said pivotal axes for providing frictional resistance to the swinging movement of the respective oar-handle lever; and

means at each of said pivot axes for rendering the respective brake effective to provide frictional resistance to each oar-handle lever in only one sense of its swinging movement while rendering the brake ineffective and permitting free swinging movement in the opposite sense, said mounting means comprising:

a shoe form-fitting into said structure and engaging said traverse; and

a pair of upwardly and outwardly extending sleeves fixed to said shoe and forming sockets receiving the respective arms.

2. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 30 further comprising: I

means enabling tilting of said pivotal axes in a direction transverse to the elongation of said arms. 

1. A gymnastic apparatus comprising: an elongated rail structure including: a pair of upwardly bowed spaced apart rails, a carriage shiftable on said rails along a path from a center position to opposite sides thereof, a traverse connected to said rails and lying below said path, and spring means for biasing said carriage toward said center upon displacement to opposite sides thereof; a pair of opposing transverse arms projecting inclinedly upwardly and outwardly from said structure at said center thereof and clearing said rails; mounting means at said traverse and removably receiving each of said arms and securing same against movement relative to said structure; a respective oar-handle lever articulated at the free end of each of said transverse arms for swinging movement about a respective pivot axis in a rowing motion, said carriage being shiftable on said rails to opposite sides of said pivot axes; a respective brake at each of said pivotal axes for providing frictional resistance to the swinging movement of the respective oar-handle lever; and means at each of said pivot axes for rendering the respective brake effective to provide frictional resistance to each oarhandle lever in only one sense of its swinging movement while rendering the brake ineffective and permitting free swinging movement in the opposite sense, said mounting means comprising: a shoe form-fitting into said structure and engaging said traverse; and a pair of upwardly and outwardly extending sleeves fixed to said shoe and forming sockets receiving the respective arms.
 2. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 30 further comprising: means enabling tilting of said pivotal axes in a direction transverse to the elongation of said arms.
 3. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said sleeves lie wholly within the plan outline of said carriage.
 4. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said shoe comprises a base plate, said traverse having a bottom member resting upon said base plate.
 5. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1 where said carriage is formed with a seat, said apparatus further comprising: a cushion overlying said seat and form-fittingly engaging same.
 6. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising a counter on at least one of said arms and counting the strokes of the respective lever.
 7. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising means for anchoring chest pulls to said structure.
 8. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein each of said brakes comprises at least one frictional disk and said means for rendering each brake effective includes a pawl and ratchet mechanism.
 9. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein each brake includes at least one friction disk and means for adjusting the friction force thereof.
 10. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising a foot rest spanning said rails; and means enabling adjustment of the position of said foot rest along said path.
 11. The gymnastic apparatus defined in claim 10 wherein said foot rest is provided with recesses at its opposite end receiving said rails. 